Monday, October 30, 2017

If you have followed my family through the years you might have noticed a partnership with Wubble Ball. Each new product that comes out has something exciting to offer that leaves us with hours of fun together! Over the Summer my son enjoyed the Super Wubble pictured above.

**I received a free product to review. I was not required to write a positive review . The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.When the leaves start to change, we are busy putting together our annual Pumpkin Party. It has become more of a tradition now after all these years! I honestly can't believe when I started doing this, years ago, so many people would look forward to it year after year. I started the annual Pumpkin Party, before I had a child. I saw a need for families who could not afford pumpkins and wanted to change that.

Thursday, October 26, 2017

What do I do for a living? I started this website years ago with the intent to help others save money. It grew to be so much more than I had ever envisioned. I truly did not think it would take off and people would follow my posts. Something about struggling with grammar, spelling and thinking I was not a natural writer held me back. I have come so far from those first few posts that went live. I can't guarantee I am an excellent speller, that my grammar is on point or that I consider myself a writer even to this day! I will say I have grown and this website has helped me in many ways. I now strive everyday to be a better writer, better photographer and better at expressing my passions on this forum. Often times my job sends me to areas of the world I have never been.

You might not always see the behind the scenes photos of me in action. I promise there is a LOT of action behind these posts. I wish I could just wake up and the words flow on these webpages as easy as my laundry bin fills up weekly. That is NOT the case. I struggle with content at times, writers block or camera malfunction. When I am on Press trips I need my equipment to be on it's best behavior because people/business are counting on me! My family is counting on me and I am counting on myself to not fail them. I love my job and I want to do the best I can to create content that resonates with my personality! I've had trips I left my camera battery at home, forgot SIM cards or just lost charging cords. These things happen and I roll with all the technology punches, trust!

Sunday, October 22, 2017

It's Breast Cancer Awareness Month and I have a few things to say about it! Meet my grandmother, Helen (pictured above). She was an instrumental person in my life. We have those types of people we look up too. You know the one's we run to with our problems and they always know the solution. The people who make even the toughest day seem like a walk in the park! She was my "person". Her beauty shined both outside and in. She helped fund a Christian Camp, that NOW services hundreds of young adults. As a small child she taught me so much but it wasn't until her battle with Breast Cancer I would learn the hard life lessons. Cancer has no "avoid button". It does not care if you are sweet, humble, beautiful or mean. It does not care if you are white, black, purple or yellow toned skin. Cancer does not discriminate against religions or sexual orientation, it knows no boundaries of who it will effect. My grandmother fought daily once diagnosed! She lost parts of her women hood, little by little it took over her entire physical body. I remember riding to her treatments listening to "He has the whole world in his hands" thinking she is so brave.

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

The leaves are changing to vibrant hues of red, orange and yellow all around us. The more I travel, the more I realize not everyone is blessed with this fact of biology. If you want to enjoy some Fall foliage here are some rather picturesque places we have ventured to in the Northeast.

**Fun fact many of these pictures in this post are thanks to my Samsung Galaxy 8! Some places are in remote locations and I don't dare lug my expensive camera along for those types of trips!**

I know not everyplace is listed so be kind if your area wasn't. I do plan to visit more places throughout the Fall this season to add to my list for next year! First place, pictured above, is The Great Pumpkin Farm located in Clarence, New York. They have rolling hills to view the leaves changing while you can enjoy a hay ride! This Farm also has a lot of fun Fall activities for the whole family including Pumpkin contests, Mazes, pumpkin picking and more!

Tuesday, October 17, 2017

On my last travel post, Historic Romney, West Virginia, I left off turning in for the night at our Motel. The next morning we were bright eyed and bushy tailed, as they say, for a little hiking adventure. First on the agenda was the Ice Mountain Preserve located off country roads about 30 minutes east of Romney, WV. While they are open to the public you do need to reserve a tour/guide because the trails are only accessed through private properties. There are two different trails you can enjoy here: lower trail that leads to Ice “vents” or the top of the peak trail, called Raven’s Rocks.

I would say the trails are moderate hiking level. They have a mountain incline to go down and climb back up. Once you walk down the trail, you enter back in time. The ice "vents" in the ground provide cool temperatures that encourage rare arctic plants to glow along side the tropical plants. These stay cold throughout winter and are the last place to thaw late into the Summer. The plants grown here are not found in this area on normal conditions. They are a complete natural wonder preserved in this mountain side.

Wednesday, October 11, 2017

Halloween is an exciting time around my home. Between decorating the house, planning for our annual Pumpkin party or picking out costumes. I asked you all a few days ago what you were going to be for Halloween and was shocked many of you had not decided yet. I personally love dressing up! Maybe I want to hold onto the playful child spirit by dressing up. Maybe it is the look in our son's eye when we go all out to create a costume. It's honestly just plain good old fashion fun for a day! Finding the right costume at a great price is the key though. While I love looking as genuine as I can, no fake costumes here. I don't want to break the bank doing it because it is for ONE day/night only. I thought I would talk about where we got our costumes this year! Let me introduce to you my new favorite Halloween prop/costume place: the Costume Super Center.

I received a free product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.

While my son enjoys everything mystical and brought up in the Fantasy land he has really stayed away from scary costumes. This year he decided to put down his Gryffindor robes and join the Huffpuff house to channel Newt Scamander from Fantastic Beasts and Where to find them.

Friday, October 6, 2017

It is funny how a place can resonate with you once you arrive to explore it. I had never explored West Virginia, just passed through it. When given the opportunity I jumped at the chance. At a much younger age, I liked the idea of milder winters and rich mountain sky lines. I always thought I would settle down in the Virginia's and honestly still might! Something about the country feeling of nature untouched lures people. Generations flock to the idea of a self sustained way of life. Riding into West Virginia our Host, Jon sang "Take Me Home, Country Roads" by John Denver. At first, I thought it so strange. He told us as we traveled through the "S" curves of the back country roads that the area just compelled him to sing it. We stopped to look at Cooper mountain (captured above) on our way to the Potomac Eagle Scenic train ride in historic Romney, WV. Looking back on my trip, he was right, that song does capture the West Virginia spirit!

"Life is old there, older than the trees, younger than the mountains, blowing like a breeze"-"Take Me Home, Country Roads" by John Denver

Monday, October 2, 2017

Are you ready for Halloween? I will admit, I wanted to start decorating on September 1st but held off. Now, that October is finally here, I can enjoy one of my favorite times of year. I decided to make a Zombie/Undead show list for you. Having Netflix allows us to binge watch so many great shows! Once we finish one we are always on the hunt for the next great hit.

Here are some suggestions to get you in the ghoulish spirit!

I am a member of Netflix’s blogger StreamTeam. I did not receive compensation for this post, but Netflix has provided me with a membership and other bonuses for being part of the Stream Team. All opinions expressed are my own.

1. Could I even make a list without mentioning the Walking Dead? They just added Season 7! Look at my awesome cup from Tervis showcasing our love for all things Zombie!!